G4 



IS to this division that the greater number of the toadstools and mush- 

 I'oonis of our woods and fields belong, and to these T will at once direct 

 your attention. 



We mentioned that fungi had no flowers, and in this division as 

 well as in all others they begin by the production of filamentous threads 

 or attenuated cells which appear like the roots of the fungus which 

 afterwards appears. These threads are called the mycelium, and are 

 the true vegetation of the fungi. What are denominated fungi are 

 therefore the fruit and not the lohole plant, as many believe. Agarics 

 or mushrooms are merely rounded tubercles which are formed on the 

 mycelium below the surface. Some of these rapidly enlarge, burst 

 through an outer covering (called the volva or -wrapper), which is left 

 at the base, thrust out a stalk or stipe bearing at its top a rounded 

 |)ody- — the pileus, or cap. Underneath this cap are the lamellse or gills 

 that occupy the whole l;)wer surface, and which consist of a series of 

 plates which bear over their whole surface naked sporules, which on 

 examination under a microscope will be found grouped in fours. 



The drawing before you is that of the Fly Amanita { Amanita 

 muscaria), one of the most beautiful and widely distributed as well as 

 most dangerous and highly organized of our agarics. This species is 

 commonly found in the depths of the forest, generally under firs or 

 pines, and in the months of June and July is a vei-y conspicuous object 

 in the northern woods. Last June it was a lovely sight in the woods 

 of Nova Scotia near Annapolis. The specimen before you, with many 

 others, was obtained in Rideaa Hail woods by Mrs. Chaniberlin. In 

 the North of England and Scottish Highlands it is a most lovely object 

 in the dark fir woods, and its crimson pileus when lighted up by a sun- 

 beam falling aslant through the thick foliage is a sight never to be 

 forgotten. 



In Northeastern Asia this species is a favourite drug to produce 

 intoxication amongst the Russians and natives of Kamtschatka. The 

 fungi are collected in the hottest month and hung up ta dry. When 

 taken to produce intoxication small pieces are rolled up and swallowed 

 without chewing. 



Our next drawing is that of the edible mushroom (^Affaricus 

 campestris), which is so well known that its praises need not be 



